Judy Barton

Role & Responsibilities

Judy Barton is the Program Coordinator for the Academic Upgrading-Get SET Program as well as the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Program at 3 Confederation College Campuses: Thunder Bay, Northshore, and Greenstone. Her responsibilities include supporting the staff and students in each program, building referral networks through outreach with community agencies and partners, assisting with special projects, especially through Workforce Development, and advocating for increased access/support for students as needed.

Professional Background

Judy's background is in English (HBA, MA, and 2/3 of a PhD), but she sees that as a means to an end. She learned some basics in university; what has been more enriching and educational for her have been her many years teaching and mentoring, learning from colleagues and students and life.

Teaching

Judy is very proud of 2 awards she has received at the college: in 2012, she received the Faculty Award of Excellence, and in 2026, her department was chosen for the 2026 Team Award. These awards speak to what she values so highly: a deep devotion to teaching and to the student experience, but also a commitment to the whole team of staff who work alongside her to support their students. She has been at the college since 2002--first as a communications professor and then as Program Coordinator; before that she taught at various levels and at various institutions including George Brown College, Humber College, York University and the University of Guelph.

Creative Work, Research, or Industry Experience

"Access for all" is a mantra that animates Judy's work and professional development. She became a Clear Language Editor and Consultant to ensure documents are written for all levels of literacy; she became a Certified Life Skills Facilitator to help eliminate educational barriers faced by many folks in our community; she is committed to learning (and unlearning) as much as she can about colonization and reconciliation; she actively seeks out professional development to help her understand and accommodate all issues of mental health and wellness. She is a long-standing member of the "Academic Access and Success" Subcommittee of Academic Council, and never tires of looking for ways to expand access in all its forms both at the college and in the community.

Community Involvement

Judy is on the organizing committee of Empty Bowls, Caring Hearts--a fundraising charity that raises money for the Thunder Bay Food Bank and Shelter House. In addition to her commitment to helping reduce food insecurity in Thunder Bay, she also love arts and arts education, so volunteers as a "fibre fixer" with the Repair Cafe, leads or supports arts programming with CAHEP, facilitates visible mending/finger knitting workshops at the college and elsewhere, and organizes community knitting events and maker swaps just for fun.